How long should one with acute nephritis stay in bed for rest?

Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
Updated on December 17, 2024
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After the onset of acute nephritis, patients should rest in bed for 2-3 weeks until gross hematuria disappears, blood pressure returns to normal, and edema subsides. If the patient's condition is severe, with complications such as high blood pressure, noticeable edema, and significant hematuria, then bed rest should be extended to 4-6 weeks. Bed rest can increase renal blood flow and improve kidney function, which is beneficial for enhancing treatment effectiveness. Gradually, indoor activity can be increased. If the condition does not worsen after 1-2 weeks, the patient may begin outdoor activities. Patients with mild residual proteinuria and microscopic hematuria should be followed up and closely observed without the need for indefinite bed rest. If urine changes worsen again after activity, further bed rest is necessary. For students who develop acute nephritis, it is advisable to take a break from school to ensure enough rest time for recovery.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Will acute nephritis cause facial swelling?

Acute nephritis can also cause facial swelling in patients. The pathological damage in patients with acute nephritis is the diffuse proliferation of glomerular cells, which reduces the glomeruli's ability to filter blood. As a result, patients may experience proteinuria and hematuria. Decreased kidney function in water excretion can lead to water accumulation in the body, causing edema in the lower limbs or facial area. The increase in urinary protein can also increase vascular permeability and decrease plasma osmotic pressure, leading to the movement of water outside the blood vessels. These factors can all cause edema. In the body, water tends to accumulate in areas where tissues are looser, such as the facial area. Thus, it is possible for patients with acute nephritis to experience facial swelling.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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What are the symptoms of acute nephritis?

Acute nephritis is commonly seen in children, and in cases of acute nephritis in children, it is often preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection or skin infection one to three weeks prior to the onset. Once acute nephritis occurs, the most prominent clinical symptom in patients is gross hematuria, though some individuals only show microscopic hematuria, accompanied by an increase in urinary proteins. Additionally, patients with acute nephritis may experience swelling of the eyelids and lower limbs, especially noticeable swelling of the eyelids and facial area upon waking in the morning. Some patients may also experience elevated blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and headache. A few may suffer from nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, reduced urine output, or even symptoms of acute renal failure.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is acute nephritis contagious?

Acute nephritis is not contagious. Acute nephritis generally occurs after a patient has a bacterial inflammation of the respiratory tract, such as infections by streptococcus, staphylococcus, and other bacteria affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, digestive tract, or skin. This leads to a secondary inflammatory response. These inflammatory immune complexes travel through the bloodstream to the kidneys, causing an inflammatory reaction within the organ. It could also be due to the deposition of immune complexes within the glomeruli, leading to glomerular damage. This disease itself is not contagious. Although these bacteria exist as triggers, they typically do not have the capability to infect other patients. Moreover, even if they were to infect others, it would not necessarily lead to nephritis.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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Early symptoms of acute nephritis

The occurrence of acute nephritis is related to streptococcal infections and is commonly seen in children. Typically, 1-3 weeks before the onset of acute nephritis, patients often have a history of infections in the throat, upper respiratory tract, or skin. Once acute nephritis occurs, the initial symptoms include hematuria, which can manifest as either gross or microscopic hematuria. There is also the appearance of edema, especially noticeable swelling of the eyelids and facial area upon waking up in the morning, and even a decrease in urine output. Additionally, patients with acute nephritis often experience increased foam in the urine, indicating the presence of proteinuria, as well as general weakness, back pain, nausea, and vomiting. After the onset of acute nephritis, some patients may experience elevated blood pressure and even transient renal failure.

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Is acute nephritis serious?

Acute nephritis is commonly seen in children, predominantly affecting male children. Often before the onset, there's a history of upper respiratory tract infection or skin infection. One to three weeks after these infections, patients may develop hematuria, swelling of the eyelids and lower extremities, and increased urinary protein. The severity of acute glomerulonephritis can vary; patients with milder forms of acute glomerulonephritis can be cured through appropriate treatment and standardized medication. However, if acute glomerulonephritis is not detected timely and treated properly, it can lead to severe complications, including uremia, heart failure, hypertensive encephalopathy, and other clinical manifestations. Therefore, acute nephritis must be taken seriously to avoid severe complications. Of course, with proper treatment, most patients with acute nephritis can fully recover and have a good prognosis.